Doors

Whether it's an automatic door, a sliding door or a saloon door, how people use doors has always fascinated me. Sometimes how you use a door says a lot about you.

Holding the door open for someone behind you acknowledges their existence and shows you're aware of others' needs. When I do this in Japan, people often start apologising for inconveniencing me. It's also rare that someone holds a door open for me … I wonder if this is because there are so many automatic doors here.

Doors allow us to escape. They allow us to find privacy. They actually allow us to walk through walls. Yet, it's interesting how little attention is paid to this object. This lack of awareness came to my attention when I was briefly back in New Zealand. I was at one of my favourite cafes late one very windy, very cold Wellington afternoon. Customers came in, seeking shelter fromthe elements. But they somehow managed to leave the glass door wide open, letting the weather in.

Initially, along with staff, other customers including myself, got up to close the door. Then, everyone began getting so irritated that they started yelling "Door!!" at any forgetful new customers.

I started to wonder if the door was cursed. Almost every customer entering the cafe forgot to close it. One of the people who had helped close it also left it open as they exited.

When it came to our turn to leave, I made a concentrated effort to close the door. My friend and I stood outside, saying our goodbyes, when another couple walked into the cafe. They also left the door open. I narrowed my eyes at them, went over to the door and closed it as the patrons inside erupted into cheers and applause … I was their hero.

What does this say about me? My friend said, "You're so nice," but I think the answer isn't so deep. Some use the phrase "when one door shuts, another one opens" to say that you should be optimistic. But I think, sometimes, when a door is shut, people might just want it to stay that way.